Texas House Bill HB1721

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to a study by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality of air contaminants in residential areas in certain counties.

Impact

The annual studies required by this bill would involve monitoring the levels of air contaminants specified in a watch list outlined in existing environmental regulations. This requirement is expected to lead to increased awareness regarding the air quality in these regions and may prompt subsequent regulatory action to mitigate pollution if harmful levels of contaminants are detected. The findings of these studies would be reported to the respective commissioners courts of the counties participating in the study, thereby involving local governance in the discussion and response to air quality issues.

Summary

House Bill 1721 aims to mandate an annual study by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) concerning air contaminant levels in residential areas within certain counties in Texas. Specifically, the bill targets counties with populations exceeding 800,000 where permanent concrete plants are located within one mile of residential buildings. The intent of the bill is to assess the impact of industrial activities on air quality in residential zones that are in close proximity to these facilities.

Contention

While the bill looks to enhance public health safety by providing crucial data about air quality, there are potential points of contention that may arise. Industry stakeholders may express concerns regarding the implications of increased regulatory scrutiny, fearing that the studies could lead to restrictions or regulations that affect their operations. Furthermore, local governing bodies might confront challenges in allocating resources for addressing the findings of the pollution studies, which could complicate the local response to the anticipated increase in regulatory oversight.